Many tourist landmarks have a great gift shop. Few landmarks are in itself a great gift shop. Hayashi Department store is a historic building from the Japanese colonial era that now exists as a cultural hub and concept store for heritage goods, gifts and souvenirs. Built in 1932 and reopened in 2013, the architecture reflects a blend of Japanese and Western influences and retains an enduring charm over the generations.

Today, the multi-level retail space features a range of curated products that reflect Taiwanese culture and heritage, from locally produced pantry goods and giftable snacks, to homeware and clothes, to small trinkets and artisanal souvenirs. They often host pop ups, and also have a cafe serving up classic Taiwanese delicacies. It’s like an all-in-one tourist stop, where you get some history, a lot of culture, and a souvenir shopping opportunity, all in a beautiful and well-curated space.